The Hidden Toll: Reporting on Youth Autism and Mental Health in the Misinformation Age

"Autism is in the national spotlight. Diagnoses have risen steadily in recent decades, and the appointment of RFK Jr. as health secretary ushered in fresh scrutiny and misinformation on the condition at the highest levels of government. Amidst all the debates, the reality of what it means to be an autistic child or adolescent is often overlooked. In this [USC Annenberg/Center for Health Journalism] webinar, we’ll delve into new in-depth reporting that is bringing fresh attention to the mental health challenges of growing up with autism, discuss ways to counter growing misinformation about the disorder, and provide reporting guidelines that will help journalists rigorously evaluate the evidence behind new claims and treatments."

• When: April 15, 2026 @ 1-2 p.m. ET

Center for Health Journalism, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism